Choosing Exterior Paint and Colour: What to Consider

Selecting the right paint and colour for the exterior of your house is a significant decision that goes beyond aesthetics. Your choice will affect the overall curb appeal, longevity of the paint job, and how well your home stands up to the elements.

A well-chosen exterior paint not only enhances the beauty of your home but also provides protection against weather conditions, mould, and other potential damage.

This blog will walk you through the essential considerations for picking the perfect exterior paint and colour for your home. From climate and architecture to colour trends and practical tips, you'll find everything you need to make an informed decision.

1. Climate and Weather Conditions

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing exterior paint is the climate where you live. Different paints perform better in different weather conditions, so it's crucial to choose a type that can withstand the environmental challenges in your area.

In humid and rainy climates, it's essential to choose a paint with strong resistance to moisture to prevent issues like mould and mildew. Consider paints that are designed for high moisture environments and have additives that inhibit mould growth.

If you live in an area with intense sunlight and heat, UV resistance should be a top priority. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause some paints to fade or blister over time. Look for paints with UV-blocking properties that are specifically designed to endure harsh sunlight.

In colder climates with freezing temperatures, you'll need paint that can handle expansion and contraction without cracking or peeling. Opt for a paint that is flexible and can endure temperature fluctuations without compromising the integrity of the finish.

Windy and sandy regions can cause abrasion and wear on your paint. In these areas, a more durable paint finish, such as a satin or semi-gloss, might be necessary to withstand the elements.

2. Architectural Style of Your Home

The architectural style of your home plays a significant role in determining which paint colours will work best. Certain styles lend themselves to particular colour palettes, and staying true to your home's design can help maintain its charm and authenticity.

For a traditional home, classic colour schemes often work best. Think soft whites, muted greys, and earthy tones that complement the timeless nature of these buildings. Consider neutral shades that enhance the architectural details while creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Modern homes can take bolder colours or sharp contrasts. Clean lines and minimalist design can be accentuated with more dramatic hues, such as deep charcoals, bright whites, or even pops of bold colour. The key is to choose a colour scheme that highlights the modernity and simplicity of the structure.

Cottages and rustic homes often look great with nature-inspired colours. Think of earthy greens, browns, and soft blues that blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment. These homes tend to look best when they feel connected to nature, so opting for colours that reflect the outdoors can enhance this connection.

Victorian or historic homes typically look best in rich, bold colours that highlight the intricate details and character of the architecture. Consider deeper hues like burgundy, navy, or forest green, which can add a sense of elegance and timelessness to the building.

3. Colour Trends and Personal Preference

While staying true to your home's architectural style is essential, you also want to consider current colour trends and, most importantly, your personal preference. Exterior paint is something you'll live with for years, so it's crucial to choose a colour you love.

Whites and neutrals are always popular choices for exteriors. These colours offer a clean, timeless look that appeals to many homeowners. They are versatile and can work with almost any architectural style.

Greys have been increasingly popular for exterior paint in recent years. From light greys to deep charcoals, this colour family can give your home a contemporary or classic look, depending on the shade you choose.

Blues, particularly muted and soft blues, are trending for exterior paint, especially in coastal areas. A soft blue can evoke a sense of tranquillity and relaxation, perfect for a beachside or countryside home.

Bolder colours like navy blue, dark green, or even black have been making a statement on home exteriors. These dramatic colours can add a sense of sophistication and modernity to your home, especially when paired with contrasting trims.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personality and the statement you want to make with your home's exterior. Don't be afraid to experiment with colour swatches and visualize different options before making your final decision.

4. Testing and Sampling

Before committing to a colour, it's essential to test it out in various light conditions. Paint colours can look very different depending on the time of day and the amount of sunlight or shade on different parts of your home.

Apply small samples of your chosen colours to different areas of the house. This could be sections that receive direct sunlight, as well as areas in the shade. Observe how the colours change from morning to afternoon and into the evening.

Remember that exterior colours tend to look lighter and more vibrant in natural daylight compared to the same shade used indoors. What may seem like a subtle grey inside could appear almost white when exposed to bright sunlight. Testing allows you to see how the colours truly interact with the environment.

5. Paint Finishes: Functionality and Aesthetics

The finish of the paint you choose will not only affect the appearance of your home but also its durability and maintenance. Exterior paints come in various finishes, each with its benefits and drawbacks.

Flat or matte finishes have a non-reflective, smooth appearance. These are ideal for older homes or houses with surface imperfections, as the finish helps to hide flaws. However, flat finishes are not as durable as glossier finishes and may require more frequent maintenance.

Satin finishes are one of the most popular choices for exterior paint. They offer a slight sheen that adds depth to the colour without being too reflective. Satin finishes are more durable than flat finishes and are easier to clean, making them suitable for most areas of the house.

Semi-gloss and gloss finishes provide the most durability and are perfect for areas that see more wear and tear, such as doors, windows, and trim. These finishes are easy to clean and maintain, but the high shine can highlight imperfections in the surface, so preparation is key before application.

Consider how much maintenance you're willing to do when choosing a finish. Higher gloss levels typically mean better durability and easier cleaning, but they can also make surface flaws more noticeable.

6. Paint Quality: Don’t Compromise

Choosing a high-quality paint is crucial for the longevity of your exterior paint job. Exterior paint is subjected to harsh conditions, from blazing sun to heavy rain, and you want a product that can stand the test of time.

Invest in a premium-quality paint that is specifically formulated for exterior use. High-quality paints contain better pigments and binders, which means they offer better coverage, colour retention, and durability.

Cheap paint may save you money upfront, but it can cost you more in the long run. Lower-quality paint often requires multiple coats for proper coverage and can fade or peel more quickly, necessitating a repaint sooner than expected.

Look for paint brands that offer warranties or guarantees on their products. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you're investing in a paint that the manufacturer stands behind.

7. Preparing the Surface: Essential for Success

Proper surface preparation is critical for achieving a long-lasting and flawless paint job. Skipping this step can lead to premature paint failure, regardless of the quality of the paint you use.

Begin by cleaning the exterior surface thoroughly. Dirt, mould, and mildew can prevent the paint from adhering correctly, so it's essential to remove all debris. Power washing is an effective way to clean the surface, but be careful not to damage any delicate areas.

After cleaning, inspect the surface for any cracks, holes, or damage. Fill any gaps with caulk and repair any damage before you begin painting. Sanding rough areas can help create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to.

If the existing paint is peeling or flaking, it will need to be scraped off before applying new paint. Failing to remove old, damaged paint can cause the new paint to peel prematurely.

Finally, priming the surface is often necessary, especially if you're painting over bare wood, metal, or a significantly different colour. A good primer helps the paint adhere better and provides a consistent base for the topcoat.

8. Environmental Impact

As environmental concerns continue to grow, it's essential to consider the ecological impact of your paint choice. Many traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be harmful to the environment and your health.

Look for low-VOC or VOC-free paints for your exterior. These paints are formulated to be more environmentally friendly, emitting fewer harmful chemicals during the drying process. While these eco-friendly options used to be limited in variety, many manufacturers now offer a wide range of colours and finishes in low-VOC formulations.

Additionally, consider how long-lasting your chosen paint is. A paint that requires frequent reapplication contributes to more waste and environmental impact. By choosing a high-quality, durable paint, you're reducing the frequency of repaints and the associated environmental costs.

9. Neighbourhood and Surroundings

While it's important to choose a colour you love, it's also a good idea to consider the aesthetic of your neighbourhood. Your home doesn't exist in isolation, so take a look at the surrounding homes and landscape when deciding on a colour scheme.

Harmonising with your surroundings can create a more cohesive and pleasing look for the entire neighbourhood. You don't have to match your neighbours' homes exactly, but choosing complementary colours can help maintain the overall appeal of the area.

On the other hand, if you want your home to stand out, be mindful of how bold colours might clash with the rest of the street. A striking colour can add personality, but you don't want it to be too jarring or out of place.

10. Long-Term Maintenance and Upkeep

Finally, think about the long-term maintenance and upkeep required for your chosen paint and colour. Light colours, while beautiful, tend to show dirt, mildew, and stains more easily than darker colours. If you choose a light shade, be prepared for more frequent cleaning and touch-ups.

Darker colours can be more forgiving when it comes to hiding dirt, but they may fade more quickly in bright sunlight, requiring touch-ups to maintain their vibrancy.

Choosing a higher-quality paint with UV protection, mildew resistance, and durability features can reduce the amount of maintenance needed over the years. However, even the best paint will eventually need maintenance, so be realistic about how much effort you're willing to put into keeping your exterior looking fresh.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paint and colour for your home's exterior is a multi-faceted decision that involves more than just picking a hue you like. Climate, architectural style, personal preference, and practicality all play a role in creating a beautiful and long-lasting finish.

By considering these factors and taking the time to test, prepare, and choose quality products, you can ensure that your exterior paint job not only enhances the appearance of your home but also stands the test of time. With the right approach, your house will continue to look beautiful for years to come.